Team

The CoordinatorsOne IRSP research is conducted by about four students. There are two people who coordinate them. Firstly, there is a Professor of the IRIO-department who watches over the academic quality of the research. As a researcher you will meet them on regular basis. Secondly, there is a representative of the IRSP Committee who is in contact with the respective partner and who controls that the partner’s wishes are met. Here you can see who will coordinate what research.Dr. Gerda van Roozendaal (picture) is the programme director graduate studies of the Master International Relations and holds many other positions. She is an expert in social aspects of trade policy, institutional development and regionalisation.Tessa Wapstra is a fourth year student of IRIO, with an interest in global governance. She coordinates this research in behalve of the IRSP board.

The Researches

Agha Baymarov Age: 24 Degree programme: M.A IRIO

Why did you participate in the IRSP?Last semester, beside master courses, I wanted to do extra (social) activity to improve my practical experience and to gain new friends. In light of this, I saw brochure of IRSP and attended its introduction meeting and decided to apply one of its research projects, CARE Netherland. To conduct individual research and to get a real publication at the end of the research are the most important reasons that encouraged me to apply. Meanwhile, friendly atmosphere of the group and gaining new friends are another reasons.

What have you learnt from the IRSP?For me, IRSP is an important becausefirst, I have learned how to conduct professional long term research. Although, at our master lectures, we are also conducting research and writing papers, this research is different from them becausethis time I did professional and independent research with four other super nice people for one of the well-known organizations CARE Netherlands. What is the most interesting/funny/nice thing you encountered during the research process?Beside our official meetings, we have organized several social activities. One of the this them is having Sushi lunch together and we went Sumo, Japanese restaurant at the Vismarkt. During that time, we ordered lots of sushi and at the end, we had to eat all of them otherwise we would pay extra. Honestly, it was my fault to order but thanks to my lovely friends that they also helped me to eat them. Since that time, I have not gone there and do not want to see sushi.

What did you find most difficult in the process?For me, the most difficult part of the research is travelling to Den Hag because it takes 6 hours go and back. Later, we stopped to go there and did skype meetings with CARE Netherland researchers. But it was also nice to travel with my group friends and spent almost one day together with them.

Monika PovilenaiteAge: 22Degree programme: MA IRIO (International Security) Why did you participate in the IRSP? I really wanted to get more research experience outside the University. I was also genuinely intrigued by CARE’s research proposal which offered an excellent opportunity to learn more about the non-governmental sector. What have you learnt from the IRSP?One thing that I find particularly is the ability to effectively communicate with partner organization in order to better understand their needs. This is an essential skill that I will continue to use in my future career. What is the most interesting/funny/nice thing you encountered during the research process?The best thing was probably our research group – the people are just fantastic. We hit it off from the very beginning and bonded over our mutual appreciation for good food. Group dynamics left me satisfied with the overall research process. What did you find most difficult in the process? The beginning was probably the hardest because we were introduced to a huge amount of unfamiliar partner information. After that, it got easier when we managed to understand better what the expectations are and what the end product is supposed to look like.

Sannah NagelkerkenAge: 23Degree Programme: MA IRIO (general track)Why did you participate in the IRSP: Since my bachelors in Amsterdam I have joined many committees related to my study objective. In my opinion side-activities and putting your knowledge into practice, is the best way to learn and get experience in the field of International Relations. The CARE project is a good opportunity to expand knowledge and research skills. What have you learnt from IRSP: Besides methodological research skills, I became familiar with the ins and outs of (international) non-governmental organizations, as CARE Netherlands. Furthermore, working with enthusiastic, high-skilled, friendly students is really instructive. What is the most interesting/funny/nice thing you encountered during the process?Besides the hard work we’ve done (and still doing), our meetings always came along with food, food, and ……. food. Especially the addiction of Aga for sweets stuff, likeBaklava. Which is, indeed, delicious! What did you find the most difficult?In the beginning I was really enthusiastic about the project. However, after a while I got bored and disappointed about my own (slow) progress. Also, time pressure and deadlines impeded my motivation. Thanks to the other group members, we kept on going and I have confidence in our final results.

Michal OvadekAge: 22Degree: BA IRIO

Why did you participate in the IRSP: I was eager to get more research experience and wanted to cooperate with like-minded students.

What have you learnt from IRSP: Insight into one of the largest development NGOs in the Netherlands, how they operate, the substance of their programmes and the people who work there.

What is the most interesting/funny/nice thing you encountered during the process? International development is a lot more administration/PR than the average student of international relations likes to think.

What did you find the most difficult? Find agreement with our partner regarding objectives of the project and receive coherent feedback.